When you visit Australia, be aware of the fact that it is a country, people is very passioante about values related to freedom and relationship to others. As modern Australia seeks to find its place in the regional and global order, inevitable focus is given to the cultural values and norms that make up society. Many people agree that it seems to be emerging a dominant or underlying set of ‘shared values’ that somehow serve to unite Australians’ thinking and perceptions. These might be said to include respect for democracy, a strong sense of justice, a sense of fairness, of tolerance, a caring for others, a powerful sense of egalitarianism, a less selfish society, loyalty and freedom of self-determination.

Especifically, when doing business, they place a grat value upon empathy and honesty. It is the norm that one should only talk about what he/she knows, no matter if it is not what his/her counterpart wants to hear.

It is believed within the Australian culture that one should be individualistic, open minded, humble, and able to develop critical thinking.

There is an obvious influence of the American and British cultures on the Australian way of dressing. , Australian typical dress consists of a hat named Akubra, RM Williams boots, moleskins, and a type of jacket called Drizabone. T his last component of Australian garments is the traditional oilskin riding coat and is part of Australia's history. It was adopted by the early Australian settlers from the wet weather gear worn by the sailors on the windjammers to protect themselves from the fierce weather of the Roaring Forties.

Australia ’s men and women have exactly the same traditional outfit, both use the hats, the boots and the jackets. The whole style is similar to that of a cowboy, the difference relays on the use of other type of pants instead of jeans (moleskins). The images below show the pieces of clothing described.

Typical garments, as in every culture, are still used, but not in every region of the country. As we all know, Australia is surrounded by water, is kind of an island. Due to this particular characteristic, much of its actual typical clothes favor this type of environment. Australia’s climate around these areas is warm and sunny, so different types of wardrobe are required.

The “Casual Smart” look is preferred among men when going to work, so be aware of this when doing business in Australia. This style consists of shows, stockings, belt and long sleeved shirt folded at the elbow. Women, not being afraid of possible assaults, like to wear gold.

Australian cuisine has been heavily influenced by British foods and eating habits. Among the most popular dishes brought by English people to this country are Stewed Chops, Potato Dumplings and Jam Pudding. It is worth mentioning that these dishes were usually plain and simple, as immigrants foresaw the difficulty of obtaining cooking items in unknown lands.

Other well known Australian dishes include the Pavlova, Soldier's Cake and Anzac Biscuits, and the Lamington and Pumpkin Scones for the traditional tea in the afternoon.

If you visit Australia, you might find yourself eating one of these:

• Damper: Traditional Australian bread, made without yeast, and commonly made on a campfire in a cast iron camp oven.

• Lamingtons: A chocolate coated cube of sponge cake, rolled in desiccated coconut; usually served with whipped cream and afternoon tea. It is said that Lamingtons were invented in the Queensland Government House kitchen as a creative use for stale sponge cake.

• Pavlova: A recipe developed by a chef in Western Australia to celebrate the visit of the famous ballerina Anna Pavlova. A confection of sugar and egg white meringue, covered with delicious whipped cream and seasonal fruits.

• Anzac Biscuits: A rather hard but crisp biscuit of rolled oats and molasses .

• Soldier's Cake: A long keeping boiled fruitcake.